Baseball | 8/9/2023 6:42:00 PM

MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—Head coach Brett Young welcomes his first class of freshman players after taking over the baseball program this summer. The Bucs' class is ranked #1 in NCAA Division II by Perfect Game.

The freshman group features four pitchers, an infielder and an outfielder for 2024.

Aiden Denton (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) is right-handed pitcher, from a good travel program in New Jersey.

"Aiden is a projectable arm from East Coast Ghost and Monmouth Regional High," Young said. "We think he has the potential to be an impact arm for us."

Denton pitched four seasons at Monmouth Regional under long-time coach Paul Crivello, going 10-10 with one save in 121.2 innings. He posted a 2.64 ERA and struck out 123 against just 36 walks.

"I chose Barry because I want to be a part of a program that is looking to continue to build and win," Denton said. "Not having to playing in the snow is also a bonus."

Skylar Stinson (Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS) is also a righty, with plenty of upside, from a solid program at Apopka High, where he played for coach Bobby Brewer.

"Syklar is a highly competitive pitcher with a high ceiling," Young said. " We think he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential."

 Stinson went 8-4 over three seasons with the Blue Darters, with a 2.45 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 97.0 innings.

"I chose Barry University when I first saw the program and how it's developed and the opportunities that were presented for me to excel my career," Stinson said.

Jake Magadan (Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale HS) is a tall, well-built right-hander from successful high school and travel ball programs," Young said. "We expect him to come in and compete for innings right away."

Magadan, who is the nephew of former Major Leaguer Dave Magadan, played for four years at Bloomingdale High under coach Kris Wilken. He led the Bulls to a 17-9 season and the district title as a senior, going 6-4 with one save in 55.1 innings on the mound.  He struck out 50 and walked 20.

"I chose Barry University because of the great coaching staff and the winning culture," Magadan said.

Dylam Higham (Tampa, Fla./A3 Academy) is yet another righty in the 2024 class. He graduated from A3 Academy but played prior at Newsome High in Tampa.

"Dylan is a physically strong pitcher with solid measurables," Young said. "Coming from A3 Academy should have him ready to compete for innings as a freshman."

Higham went 4-2 for A3, with a 3.43 ERA in 42 innings pitched. He struck out 33, but allowed just 40 baserunners (0.95 WHIP).

"I chose Barry because it was in my best interest academically and athletically to help me succeed in the future," Higham said. "I also felt like I connected well with the Barry coaching staff."

Zane Gross (Potomac, Md./Churchill High) is an infielder whose bat should earn him playing time right away.

"Zane's bat really stood out for us," Young said. "He should be in the competition for innings as a freshman."

Gross was a standout hitter for coach Pat Skellchock at Churchill High, seeing time in the middle infield as well at third base and behind the plate. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, he batted .399 with six homers, 19 doubles and 52 RBI in 56 games.

"I chose Barry because of the amazing coaches and the great location in Miami," Gross said.

Vic Patel (St. Augustine, Fla./St. Augustine HS) is a lefty outfielder with good speed and the ability to spray the ball to all fields.

"Vic is a solid left-handed hitter with the ability to drive the ball gap to gap," Young said.

Patel played three seasons at St. John's Country Day, before spending his senior year at St. Augustine High under Tom Cannaday. For his high school career, he scored 52 runs, drove in 37, drew 46 walks against 44 strikeouts and stole nine bases in 198 at-bats.

"I chose Barry because it's not too far from home and there's baseball all year around," Patel said.

Barry is coming off a 35-19 season and the NCAA Division II South Region 2 championship.